For my first interview, I chose to go to Los Cubanitos Market on Park Street. Los Cubanitos Mark is located on\u00a0206 Park St, Hartford, CT. I chose this location in particular for a few reasons. First of all, the Market provides a variety of Latino food and ingredients, which I knew would naturally attract people from a Latin American background. Secondly, prior to visiting Park Street, I saw online that the Market had great reviews for its products and atmosphere. Immediately upon walking up to the store and entering, I heard Spanish being spoken, which was great. While walking through the store, I saw a friendly looking woman and decided to interview her. I said a friendly hello to her and introduced myself, she told me her name was Gabriela Arvelo. I didn’t ask, but I would assume she was in her early 40s. The interview was great and lasted about 10 minutes. Below is the dialogue from my conversation with Gabriella once the interview began:<\/p>\n
(Jack) – “How long have you lived in Hartford and what was the reason you chose to move to this city?”<\/p>\n
(Gabriela) – “I was born in Puerto Rico and my family moved to Hartford a long time ago, I must have been about 4 when we moved to Hartford. They came with me and my two brothers and decided moving to the United States would be the best way to find better work. Money was tight in Puerto Rico for us, I was small, but my parents have told me of this. They chose Hartford because they could afford to live here and it was a place where work was available.”<\/p>\n
(Jack) – “How would you describe the Latino culture that exists on Park Street and in Hartford?”<\/p>\n
(Gabriela) – “For me Hartford has been a wonderful place to live. The community here, especially those of a Latino background is very big. I am able to speak Spanish every time I come to Park street, especially here at Los Cubanitos. The culture of Hartford is very diverse, there are people from all backgrounds, not just Puerto Rican. Most people have similar backgrounds and stories, which makes it easy to relate and meet new people. I very much have liked my time here.”<\/p>\n
(Jack) – “What would you say is your favorite aspect of Park Street?”<\/p>\n
(Gabriela) – “Hmm…I would have to say I very much enjoy the variety of Latin shops here. It is so nice to visit Markets and Stores that provide people with Latin products, especially the food. Although I was young when we moved, we are able to cook food as we would in Puerto Rico. I use all of my mothers recipes, which is so nice, my family really enjoys it. If you walk down Park Street you can tell it is a Spanish community, you know? The stores and flags and people all seem to have a Latin heritage”<\/p>\n
(Jack) – “How has your experience been as a Latino living in Hartford?”<\/p>\n
(Gabriela) – “Great, growing up here was nice because of the community and culture surrounding the area. Hartford is a great city and you get to meet so many people from all over the world. I have a lot of pride being Latina and can tell others around me feel the same. It would be hard to be Latina in a place with nobody else like you, but in Hartford there are so many people and families just like my own. It gives you a sense of comfort and makes living here nice.”<\/p>\n
(Jack) – “Do you enjoy working in Hartford”<\/p>\n
(Gabriela) “Yes, you know, work is busy and I must work a lot. My husband and I work long hours because we have two young children at home. I work in a restaurant, which is great and I enjoy it. It is nice because I have many friends where I work and we are able to work the same shifts, you know? So that is nice for me. Everybody I know works hard and must work a lot, but we do it together, so its not too bad.”<\/p>\n
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For my first interview, I chose to go to Los Cubanitos Market on Park Street. Los Cubanitos Mark is located on\u00a0206 Park St, Hartford, CT. I chose this location in particular for a few reasons. First of all, the Market provides a variety of Latino food and ingredients, which I knew would naturally attract people … <\/p>\n